What can I do to minimize tooth pain/infection until I get to a dentist?

Question

I lost half of my tooth recently and am now experiencing pain at night and sensitivity to cold liquids. It seems to hurt on the entire left side of my jaw, even though only one tooth was affected. I rinsed with hydrogen peroxide and am not sure what else I should do for now until my appointment w/ the dentist.
Any suggestions or ideas on what is causing so much pain?
Thanks

I went to the dentist today and had a root canal procedure on the broken tooth...then he put a temporary crown and I will get the permanent crown in 2 weeks. I've never had this done before, the only thing I notice right now is that my face is numb on one side. Thanks for all the answers so far & if you have any other helpful suggestions feel free to add!

Answer 1

You probably have a nerve exposed or irritated. If you have seen this dentist before just call his/her office. They are often more than happy to call in a prescription for a few pain pills to get you by until your appointment or will try to get you into the office sooner. It is worth a call even if it is a new dentist. You may be able to get in sooner or be put on a call list in case there is a cancellation. Also try Ambesol (sp?) and some Advil. Avoid cold liquids or drink them through a straw. Hope you feel better soon!

Answer 2

Believe it or not, this exact same thing happened to me. I have med coverage but no dental, so I did the best I could to keep it clean. I also used peroxide, twice daily, brushed that area well, and was sure to floss. Fortunately for me, I was able to get to the dentist months later and the tooth was fine, he just refilled it. But I understand this is not often the case. I had no pain after the initial filling fell out, only strong sensitivity for a day or so. Then, nothing. Good luck to you. I don't know what advice to give but this: If you don't drink often and don't have a history of liver disease in your family, ibuprofen is the best thing for pain. But, I am not a doctor so you should consult one as soon as possible if you can't get to a dentist. Good luck to you and God bless....

Answer 3

" In All Probability, You Have An Abscess.

You Must Be Seen Immediately, By A Surgical Dentist.

In The Mean Time; You May Put Clove Oil,

Or Clove Powder, In The Broken Tooth.

And Take Some Form Of Weak Pain Killer Also. " ( Tylenol ??? )

Answer 4

Well alot of time a bad tooth with deflect it's pain, by that i mean, u may say that one tooth hurts, but it will actually be the broken one that is causing all that pain to surround your whole mouth. it's crazy! Try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water, now i warn you, it may hurt, but that will clean out your teeth so u don't get an infection. Also biting down on a warm wet washcloth could help. good luck. I hope you feel better.

Answer 5

You got some good answers about the pain like the oil of cloves and pain relievers. You can also get temporary tooth repair kits and the drugstore and sometimes that protects the area until you can get to the doc. It's like a paste you can apply to the exposed tooth.

Answer 6

Get some Oragell take about 4 200Mg Ibuprofen,about what the dentist may give you, rinse your mouth with peroxide.The pain is from the root of your tooth being exposed so put the Oragell on some cotton to cover it.

Answer 7

Use Listerine often if you suspect there might be an infection. Listerine will also help to keep the pain at bay. If you live near the border go get some pain pills til you get to the dentist, nothing is worse than tooth pain! :-(

Answer 8

Dab some clove oil onto a piece of cotton wool and place it on the broken tooth. Dont put too much it gives a burning sensation.
take some panadol or tylenol for the pain.

Answer 9

i had this and my dentist prescribed amoxycillin for me which worked a treat! you can get similar penicillin products from the pharmacy if you explain what is wrong but i really do suggest amoxycillin because it is the only thing that really touched the pain. codydramol also worked but that was because it made me very tired and i would just pass out lol not advisable! go to the dentist asap and they will sort you out pronto! after taking the first pill, the pain was gone in minutes! it was the first time in weeks i hadnt had any pain! seriously, get this sorted because abcesses can be serious, my uncle had to have his throat cut open on one side because his abcess moved down into his throat and he was actually choking on it!

Answer 10

You can go to the ER and possible get some pain meds. until you can get to the dentist. That should help you out to you can get to a dentist. Tooth pain can be very painful and effect more areas than you think.